How does a Christian live as a believer in an unbelieving world? God calls His people to be spiritually bi-cultural. God does not want His people to either assimilate or segregate. He wants them to become part of the city, to pray for the city and seek its peace and prosperity. Yet, God also insists that His people retain their distinctiveness and not compromise their allegiance to Him. Christians are called to love the city of man for the sake of the city of God.

Additional scriptural references made in this sermon are: Jeremiah 28-29; Daniel 3; Hebrews 11:10.

The benediction at the conclusion of a church service is not merely a perfunctory few words while the congregation reaches for their bags. Rather, it is a reminder of the great blessing of God. In this sermon, Tim Keller explains what God’s blessing is, how we can get it, and how it reshapes our lives.

Genesis 1; Genesis 49; Exodus 33:20; Hebrews 10: 11-12; John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Genesis 27:11-13; Mark 1:11; John 17; Matthew 28:19; Romans 12:14.

The biblical concept of justice emphasizes restoring the wholeness of the world. However, we contribute to the breakdown of the society when we put ourselves first. In Isaiah, we are shown some of the ways that God identifies with the poor, calls us to change our self-centered hearts, and works towards restoring the shalom of the world.

To examine the relationship between practicing law and Christianity, we must examine how we can re-imagine practicing law as Christians and how to re-imagine the law profession itself. To re-imagine practicing law as a Christian, we need to develop a Christian view of cultural formation. This means we need to do two things: understand how law is critical to cultural activity and carefully analyze our own idols.

Isaiah tells a tale of two cities: the strong city and the lofty city. The former is divine, available through salvation, and based on peace and joy. The latter is human, self-created, and based on pride and accomplishment. Christians are called to seek the peace and prosperity of the city, both in prayer and as servants of society, looking forward to the final and eternal heavenly city where the trials of this world will cease.

In his triumphant entry to Jerusalem, Jesus juxtaposes power and weakness. In cleansing the temple, he restores God's sanctuary for the benefit of everyone. When he curses the fig tree, he shows how his power should be fruitful in us.